2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Honda Civic

To start off, 2013 Honda Civic is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 385 more horse power than 2013 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2013 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 843 kg more than 2013 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 627 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Honda Civic.

Compare all specifications:

2002 Mercedes-Benz S 2013 Honda Civic
Make Mercedes-Benz Honda
Model S Civic
Year Released 2002 2013
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5513 cc 1798 cc
Engine Cylinders 12 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 493 HP 108 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 801 Nm 174 Nm
Torque RPM 1800 RPM 4300 RPM
Engine Bore Size 82 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 87 mm 87 mm
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic 5-speed automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 2135 kg 1292 kg
Vehicle Length 5170 mm 4458 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1752 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1435 mm
Wheelbase Size 2720 mm 2670 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 88 L 50 L